Reporting Sexual Misconduct for Law Center Students

Students who believe that they have been subject to sexual misconduct (sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking) may choose (a) to report the incident to the University so that action can be taken by the University, including under the University's disciplinary procedures; (b) to report the incident to the police; and/or (c) to not report the incident. Reports may be made regardless of when the incidents occurred and whether or not they took place on or off campus.

Students who wish to learn more about the various reporting options or are unsure about whether they want to report or file an internal Title IX Complaint are encouraged to contact a confidential counselor.

When reports are made to the Title IX Coordinator or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator, the University has the obligation to review all reports and respond appropriately; every effort will be made to respect the privacy of the individuals involved.

Any Law Center student who wishes to report sexual misconduct may pursue several different options, which are listed below.

Pre-Reporting Consultation

While a Pre-Reporting Consultation is not required, for students who are unsure about whether they want to make a Title IX report or file a University Complaint, it may be helpful to speak to a confidential counselor. Going to a confidential counselor does not foreclose the opportunity to make a report to the University or file a formal complaint at a later time.

Confidential counselors can help students understand what reporting options are available and assist with the process if they choose to file a formal complaint. Unless requested, the information disclosed will not be shared with the Title IX Coordinator.

Reporting to the Title IX Coordinator

Law Center students who wish to report sexual misconduct may notify the University's Title IX Coordinator or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator.

The Title IX and Deputy Title IX Coordinator will work with students who experience sexual misconduct to coordinate protective measures and interim measures (housing, academic, work, etc.), provide information about available resources, and explain the University policies on sexual misconduct and the University's complaint process.

When reports are made to the Title IX Coordinator or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator, the University has the obligation to review all reports and respond appropriately. Every effort will be made to respect the privacy of the individuals involved. In the very rare instance that there is a community safety concern, the University may need to move forward with an investigation without the Complainant.

Filing a Formal Complaint with the Law Ethics Counsel Under the Student Code of Conduct

Law students may report the incident directly to the Law Center Ethics Counsel. Complaints regarding student conduct may be made by any member of the Law Center community. The Ethics Counsel will decide whether the allegations should be processed as potential administrative or disciplinary charges. For more information on how to file a complaint with the Law Center Ethics Counsel, please refer to the Georgetown Law Student Handbook of Academic Policies.

The internal grievance process can lead to university sanctions up to, and including dismissal/termination from the University.

The internal grievance process is designed to protect the safety of survivors, promote accountability, and provide a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution. The entire process is conducted by individuals who receive training on issues related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Both parties are entitled to have an attorney and an advisor of their choosing present throughout the entire process; both parties are able to present witnesses and evidence; and both parties are informed in writing of all decisions at the same time and have an equal chance to appeal.

Retaliation, harassment, or other adverse action against an individual for making a complaint in good faith, assisting in an investigation, opposing harassment or otherwise exercising rights protected by law is prohibited. Retaliation should be reported promptly to the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Affirmative Action (IDEAA) or the Title IX Coordinators and may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Filing a Formal Complaint with DPS and/or MPD

The Georgetown Law Department of Public Safety (DPS)

All individuals who have experienced sexual misconduct may file an incident report with the Georgetown Law Department of Public Safety, which will investigate the incident and report its findings to the appropriate University office. Click here for more information on how to file a report with the Georgetown Law Department of Public Safety.

An individual may also report to MPD, which will investigate the incident. MPD’s investigation may include, but is not limited to, conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and, depending on the nature of the complaint or incident, having a crime scene unit check for DNA at the scene. Please note that if a survivor wishes to pursue a criminal action, MPD must be notified. GUPD may assist in notifying MPD at the individual’s request.

MPD Officers cannot provide protection orders as they are issued by a judge via the Domestic Violence Intake Centers, but they can provide information about them. Survivors who wish to file a criminal complaint or seek a protective order should consider taking steps to preserve evidence, as it may be necessary to establish the proof of criminal domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD): Call 911

Overlap of Departments

DPS and MPD operate independently. DPS strives to act consistently with an individual's wishes, and can assist in connecting the student either with the Law Center Ethics Counsel if the individual wishes to file a student conduct complaint, or to MPD if the individual wishes to file a formal criminal complaint.

The filing of an incident report with DPS or a criminal complaint with MPD will not preclude individuals from pursuing the other option. If both options are pursued, the investigations will proceed simultaneously, as best as possible.

If pursuing either or both systems, an individual may request interim measures (housing, academic, work, etc.) through the Title IX Coordinator (private but non-confidential) or through Nicole Sandoz, Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Liason (confidential), at any time.

Filing No Formal Complaint

You have the option to file no formal complaint at all. Those who are unsure about whether they want to file a formal complaint can contact a confidential resource to discuss their options.

If an individual does not file a formal complaint, they may still request interim measures (housing, academic, work, etc.) through the Title IX Coordinator (private but non-confidential) or through Nicole Sandoz, Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Liason (confidential), at any time.

Timely Warnings

Consistent with the Clery Act, when necessary, GUPD will issue a timely warning when there is an ongoing or continuing threat to community safety. Warnings will not contain any identifying information.